The scenes from Japan are so heartbreaking. And it’s only natural to ask “Why?” Unfortunately, a handful of Christians seem to revel in disasters like this– arrogantly claiming to know it as God’s judgment, and even believing to know why.

This is foolish. But Christians aren’t the only ones who do this... Listen close, and you’ll hear voices from every worldview offering explanations. Last year, New Age celebrity Deepak Chopra claimed to start an earthquake in Southern California by meditating. And just Friday, rapper 50 cent offered thoughtless, and heartless, jokes by twitter about Japan– behavior consistent with his narcissistic “get rich or die trying” worldview.

So, how should Christians understand all of this? First, something is desperately wrong with this world, and many are deeply suffering. So, we should care. Second, we all need God’s mercy. So, let’s ask for it.